Overview

The Great Tapestry of Scotland tells the history of Scotland in 160 panels. The artwork was designed by artist, Andrew Crummy and involved 1,000 stitchers. The exhibition is laid out in chronological order, with each panel accompanied with an information panel providing historical information about the scene depicted and the stitchers who made it. It's an impressive sight and one that absorbs and engages you. The Tapestry is housed in a new purpose built building with step free disabled access.

Transport & Parking

Public transport accesses is impressive. It is a short, level walk through the town centre from the Galashiels Transport Interchange, a new bus station with Changing Places toilet adjacent to Galashiels Railway Station. Several buses stop at the Interchange and there are regular trains to Edinburgh from the station.

Access

There is step free access throughout. The double entrance doors are automatic. Then there is a second set of double automatic doors. Both sets of doors are clear through glass and have white markings on it, to identity that there are doors. On the ground floor is the ticket desk, at standing height. There is a shop and cafe. The cafe has freestanding tables and chairs and a counter at standing height. There is also the toilets and shop. There is a lift to the first floor where the exhibition is. Alternatively there is a staircase with handrails on both sides. The exhibition is on the first floor. There is an introductory video with captions. There is also the opportunity to pick up a magnifying glass so you can look at the detail of the needle work if you so choose. The tapestries are hung vertically and each one also has a small information board. In total there are 160 tapestries which are displayed chronologically. There are several places were you can sit, but the benches have no back support or arms.

Toilets

There are two accessible toilets on the ground floor. The toilets are spacious and clean. They have manual doors, plenty of grab rails and an emergency cord that reaches towards the floor.

Staff

The staff were very welcoming, friendly and helpful. In the cafe I ordered at the counter but a waiter brought the food to my table. Upstairs there was someone to welcome you when you arrived at the exhibition.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I love history and I was fascinated by tapestries. Also the skill required to make it. I really underestimated how long I was going to spend there, I spent about 2.5 hours and I could have spent much longer. There is so much detail in the tapestry, some of the history you may be familiar with, battles and kings and queens, but there is also a lot of social history which is what made it so fabulous, as it was also about ordinary people. There humour and warmth in the images, which makes it a real delight to view. It totally absorbed and hooked me, I would be very happy to go back for repeated views, as I think I would take away different things at different viewings. Outstanding, highly recommend.

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